Latest in shock-and-awe Christianity: Boycotting Houston

It seems like the Christian leaders that get the most attention are of a new genre of shock-and-awe style preaching. Instead of thoughtful social commentary, charitable projects or new takes on the gospel, they’ll propose a notion so outrageous everyone has to say “whaaat?!”

Something like: let’s boycott Houston because of the city’s gay mayor and new Planned Parenthood Center.

Not joking. That’s the plan proposed by one Amarillo-based pastor, who blames Houston-area Christians for allowing such “social ills” to take place.

It seems to me that Christians are very quick to attempt to utilize boycotts for everything from trying to convince retail stores to use Christmas instead of holidays to companies who extend health coverage in ways we might not approve of.

These boycotts rarely change people’s hearts. Instead, they usually are a high pressure approach to get people to conform to our views without really understanding why we believe as we do. If anything, I am concerned that boycotts like these do more to hinder the advancement of the gospel rather than promote it.

This is a new initiative that hasn’t received much public attention (yes, I realize I’m giving it some here). It may gain traction in the coming weeks as the word spreads. As of this writing, however, his online boycott petition has only 5 signees.

Grisham must know that his initiative has virtually no chance to succeed if for no other reason than that it opposes the dominant economic and demographic trends that have defined the city for nearly two decades now.

“If you were to do a poll 85 to 90 percent of people in Houston would say they were a Christian. Well how in the world could an openly homosexual mayor get elected?” Grisham (the site’s founder) asked during a brief interview, where he also said he has nothing personal against Parker.

So far, the boycott hasn’t gained much traction. A petition on the Web site in support of the boycott has been signed by just four people so far, including “Hugh Jass.”

In a written statement, Parker said: “I don’t take this personally. Of course, every city has the far fringe on both sides of the spectrum. This is greatly offset by the large amount of communication from people who want to come here because Houston is progressive, diverse and tolerant.”

Projects like “Boycott Houston” and all the Fred Phelps “God hates ____” campaigns scare me a little. Not because I think that they will ever achieve the ambitious, outrageous goals they set out, but because they misrepresent Christianity in America, making Christians look combative, judgmental, intolerant and kinda crazy.

39 Responses

I am so happy that Christ did not boycott anyone on the cross. He died for all. These self-righteous people would take Christ down from the cross and put their “good” works up instead. They know nothing of grace.

Every group of people has their wackos, be it the homosexuals, the Republicans, the Democrats, Hispanics, blacks, whites and even Christians.

It’s easy to bash any group (not saying this is what you are doing) based on the actions of the goofballs in that group. And just as the gay community can’t somehow kick out Perez Hilton, neither can the Christian community kick out this man.

We just need to look at the actions of the majority of each group. Most black people are hard working Americans concerned with doing the best for their families and not idiot rap artists peeing on underage girls. Most Christians are loving people ready to help out all members of their community, not judgemental hate-mongers looking for press.

It seems that we as Christians tend to miss the point. Does boycotting set an example to anyone how Christ would live his life? I don’t seem to remember anything about Jesus boycotting businesses. To the contrary, I seem to remember that He was criticised by the religious establishment for befriending and staying with those who lived their lives against God’s commandments. With the one exception of when He ran the merchants out of the temple, it seems to me that His method was to love those who rejected God’s Word to the point that they listened and loved also. Corinthians states that we can prophesy all we want, but that our voices are nothing more than clanging cymbals if we do so without love. This preacher would seem to need to read that again.

I’m not religious, but it’s refreshing to see an article written by a christian taking another christian to task for preaching a message of hate. If more people of faith (All faiths) were vigilant in condemning the actions of the crazies among their ranks, the world would be a better place.

Ms. Shellnut, it’s true that these particular Christians do look combative, judgmental, intolerant and kinda crazy, but they don’t make all Christians look that way. I’m an Atheist with many Christian friends, and their beliefs are as varied as their skin tones. There are plenty of great Christians who follow the teachings of Christ, and as long as they distance themselves from the crazy, political zealots, as you do, I don’t think anyone will see you as crazy by association.

These campaigns couldn’t possibly be successful because our city is experiencing an enormous economic boost by people from out of state who have flocked here in the past year.

To the boycotting Christians, I can only say: “Yes, please do boycott Houston by never, ever coming here. We don’t need your money!”

“These boycotts rarely change people’s hearts. Instead, they usually are a high pressure approach to get people to conform to our views without really understanding why we believe as we do. If anything, I am concerned that boycotts like these do more to hinder the advancement of the gospel rather than promote it.”

Wow this is good news for us that are NOT RELIGIOUS. What we want more than anything is freedom FROM religion. Please continue to boycott Houston as long as you are alive. I for one do not want religious zealots and hypocrites like you on our city.

My question is what can Christians do? Everytime I read comments that follow an article even somewhat related to Christianity, Christians are portrayed negatively. Are we to stop any attempt at spreading the Word? I find it crazy that homosexuals can picket and rally for their rights and beliefs and we as Christians are to sit back and not do a thing to voice ours. What are we supposed to do because sitting back and doing nothing is allowing the world to turn into the place it has become and it’s not a good place.

Wow, those “Christians” must not read their bible too in depth… Christ did associate himself with the elite of this day, but rather the poor, outcast and disparaged. If that’s the attitude Christians are going to have these days, then go ahead and get all of the Christians out of Houston. Joel Osteen can lead the trail ride out of town, with his millions of dollars in revenue. I’ve had enough of modern Christianity. I can see why our elitist Christian leaders draw the ire of the world. Goodbye to the close minded, non-compassionate, unforgiving Christians, stay out of Houston, we don’t want ya!

Here’s an idea for the preacher from Amarillo….”Boycott Amarillo”…wait a minute, I don’t know anyone that wants to go to Amarillo, anyway! Godde must love Mayor Parker…she allowed her to be elected. Godde must love Planned Parenthood, she allows the organization to protect women’s health. And yes, I am a Christian white male, hetrosexual, born in Texas, with a family that appoves of our lesbian mayor and approves of the great work of Planned Parenthood of Houston.

Are we still a free country or not? One of the few freedoms we have left is the power of the purse. As people of faith, we have misplaced our priorities when 3 of the 4 (and counting?) blogs on this proposed boycott are from spiritually-minded people. What do we believe in anymore if not for life itself? Cultivating a respect for the unborn child is not an evil tactic.

But here we are calling good (lawful, purposeful pro-life actions) evil and evil (let’s make Houston the murder capital of the Western hemisphere for real) good.

These people need to get over themselves. It doesn’t matter what pedigree or ethnicity someone has, or whether they are gay or straight – competence and character are what count.

On a different, but somewhat related note – I am so sick of hearing ignoramuses use San Francisco as a “bad example”. Yes there are problems with the city government, but that has nothing to do with the gay community. Heck, if the jobs/taxation situation were better (and if the city would run off the aggressive bums), the wife and I would move back to SF tomorrow. What’s not to like; it’s beautiful, the climate’s almost perfect, SF is a walkable city, and there’s a tolerant, live-and-let-live attitude.

so the “dominant economic and demographic trends that have defined the city for nearly two decades now.” would be abortion and homosexuality?! because I thought that the dominant economic trend in houston has been the energy sector, and i thought that the dominant demographic trend has been an onslaught of illegal aliens into the sanctuary city.

OK, how about Houston boycott them back, no oil, no advanced medical services, the list could go on and on. As long as people allow myth and superstition govern their decision making process, these sorts will exist, because they reside at the extreme end of the believer contiuum. Will Houston change its mayor because of this boycott? No. Will Planned Parenthood fold its tents and skulk away. But if by boycott, it means all their sort moves out of here, please do, and take the tea partyers with you.

You nailed this one Kate. Personally I think this campaign is nothing more than a publicity grab for Pastor Grisham. I wonder if the economic downturn has caused him to look for other ways to generate attention and revenue ??

The weapons of our warfare are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, Second Corinthians 10:4. We, as Christians, need to come together in unity and fight our one and only enemy in this world as stated in the Bible, satan and not people. We must remember that satan works through people, but it is our job to teach the truth, Second Timothy 2:24-26, “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”

The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:10 through 13, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

Jesus was manifest to destroy the works of the devil as First John 3:8 tells us. The church needs to be about teaching the truth about our spiritual battle and setting the captives free just like Jesus said in Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,”

“These boycotts rarely change people’s hearts. Instead, they usually are a high pressure approach to get people to conform to our views without really understanding why we believe as we do. If anything, I am concerned that boycotts like these do more to hinder the advancement of the gospel rather than promote it.” AMEN (no pun intended).

I appreciate that you are pointing out one pastor, but that has nothing to do with christianity. We are here in Houston and elsewhere to belong to our community. We cannot abandon our cities and towns because of issues like homosexuality or abortion. It is not our job or right to judge these things, simply to let it be known that GOD does not stand for these wrongs. Our job as christians is to love people who believe other than we do and reflect the love of Christ unto others. I am not aware of a single case where we have won people to Christ through hate, but only through love. Hate the sin, but love the sinner. We have to, because we too are sinners. Not one of us is perfect.

That’s hilarious. I wish they’d boycott Earth. I checked out their website. They ask, “Do you want a Texas version of San Francisco?” I thought Austin already was the Texas version of San Francisco. No offense intended to Houston nor to Austin.

I grew up in the church and was devout most of my life. How ever I began my turn away from the church when so many of its members practiced this absolute “our way or the highway” Christianity of intolerance to the point of boycotting everything and everybody. I preferred to follow Jesus’ teachings of love, charity, and fellowship with all of God’s children rather than just the ones that agree with us. This like so many things is about appearance rather than substance. I’m sure all of Houston’s church goers love being lumped in with us sinners as well.

Please make note that not all Christians behave this way. Christ brought a message of peace. He did speak the truth, but did so in a spirit of love.

As a Christian, I am offended when I see street preachers screaming condemnation at people. I also shudder when I see people suggesting things like this.

It seems they forget that by claiming to be a Christian, we acknowledge that God sent his son to live a perfect life and then be killed because WE are so sinful, it was the only way to redeem us. Thus, we have no right to jeer at others.

“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Cor 13:1

Stop clanging the cymbal… you are missing the point and pushing people away from Christ.

What about the Christians that were down there protesting the abortion center and those that voted against Parker? Are they cast out now because they live in Houston? I don’t think Jesus would approve of some of his followers consigning other followers to hell in his name.

I’m sure you know this but I would just list to say that when you refer to “Christians” it does not mean ALL Christians. Most don’t do the boycott thing. At least a huge group at my church doesn’t. When it comes to the new Planned Parenthood building, we aren’t boycotting “Houston”. We are confronting the situation with prayer, because we know that prayer is the only power that can change things. It would be ridiculous to boycott or to even say we boycott Houston because the only way to actually boycott would be to COMPLETELY rid our lives of Houston and Texas (i.e. moving our entire to a different state and not keep close ties to anything that has anything to do with Houston or Texas).

This is just one example of a Christian who focuses on one thing in the word or a persons life and uses it to blame what scriptures promised would happen… ” so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” Phil. 2:15 Luckily God didnt ban us because of our sin…this isn’t the first person in a leadership role to have a sin pattern in their life, I don’t see how that makes the ppl that live in Houston who are belivers careless because she won by 1%! It’s our job to obey the Lord and to be united as a body of believers… we need to look to the source of strife and decention and know that what God desires is that we BUILD UP the body, not tear it down! This pastor is sadly misguided and I fear as a leader in Christian circles gives the very impression that God waarned us against. We are not to be tollerant but we are called to love. He should have thought about his words more carefully ESPECIALLY because he’s in a leadership role, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

My wife was in San Francisco on business on election day, when someone there found out that she was from Houston he gave her a big hug and said that he was proud of what Houston did. Similar things happened a few times while she was there.

I think that any boycott would be outweighed by more gay people considering traveling to and moving to Houston.

I work in a tipping industry, I will usually skip any church oriented event because, generally, I don’t get very good tips, but I make sure to work Gay Pride or any concerts that might attract a lot of gay people. They tend to tip much better than the general public.

Times have certainly changed. First, America’s Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled 5-4 to block broadcast of federal court proceedings relating to whether California’s Proposition 8 ballot initiative banning gay marriage violates US constitutional protections of due process and equal protection so as to protect gay-marriage-ban supporters who feared harassment and threats they had received because of their position. SCOTUS’s majority opinion, supported by all four conservatives (Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito) together with swing voter Justice Anthony Kennedy,

“notes that some individuals had received death threats, envelopes containing a powdery white substance, confrontational phone calls, threatened boycotts, and vandalism. Some witnesses said they would not testify if the trial were broadcast….”

Now SCOTUS has agreed to consider whether names of people signing ballot-initiative petitions (in this case, to repeal Washington State’s same-sex domestic partnership law) should be kept secret “to protect the signers’ right to engage in political speech and political association”. It seems petition signers in Washington fear “threats, harassment, and reprisals” if their names get released under Washington State public records laws. Ninth Circuit judges had ruled against Protect Marriage Washington’s suit, opining that signers hadn’t been promised confidentiality and that transparency of elections was at stake, but SCOTUS stayed that ruling pending its decision.

As this second case about protecting anti-gay-rights activists wends its way through SCOTUS, one can almost remember those bygone times when it was gays who worried about violence from homo-phobic straights instead of vice versa. Did these cases really belong in America’s highest court? Did blocking broadcast of legal proceedings when everyone already knew who was scheduled to testify really make any sense? Gays are out to kill to get there way.